KANNUR: Book is the idol here. The letter is the mantra. Knowledge is God. There is no caste and no religion. There is no prayer or offering as well. Anyone can enter this temple. The foundation stone was laid for the world's first secular shrine with book as the idol was held at the hilly village of Navapuram in Cherupuzha's Kakkod in Kannur.

The four cornerstones of the temple were laid by Hindu, Christian and Islamic clerics, cultural activists and people's representatives.

God is knowledge. Broad thinking, humility and wisdom are the way - that is the principle of the shrine. There will be facilities to learn about all religions and philosophies. Knowledge can be worshiped as God in the soul.

The shrine is founded by the poet and preacher Prapoyil Narayanan. It is being built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh on the land adjacent to his house. The book idol is designed by renowned sculptor Santhosh Manas. The first phase will be completed in May.

Art galleries will be set up for artists and writers to stay and immerse themselves in the works, as well as facilities for art publishing and debating. A memorial is also being constructed to commemorate the poet Cherusseri who wrote the Krishnagadha.

The foundation stone was laid by Father James Mulaikka Vilayil of Cherupuzha Malankara Catholic Church, Sharafuddin Moulavi of Cherupuzha Juma Masjid and Balan Kandathinkarayil, President of Kulavan Temple in Wayanad. Payyannur Block Panchayat Member K Damodaran presided over the function.